BLM Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Fort Ord Supplementary Rules
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MARINA, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is asking for public comment on language clarification for the proposed supplementary rules for the Fort Ord National Monument Dog Management Plan. Comments will be accepted until Jan. 3, 2017.
The rules designate areas of the monument where off-leash opportunities exist for dogs and areas where leash requirements are in place.
“We believe this plan strikes a balance with the requests by dog owners for some off-leash opportunities while reducing safety hazards, impacts to wildlife and conflicts with other uses,” said Eric Morgan, Monument Manager for Fort Ord National Monument. “We are seeking public comments to help us clarify language in the rules to ensure they are easily understood by users and the public.”
The BLM released the draft dog management plan and associated environmental assessment on May 17, 2016 for a 30-day comment period. The proposed supplementary rules were included with the draft plan and were analyzed within the environmental assessment.
Throughout the 14-month planning process, three public scoping workshops were held to identify substantive issues for the plan. The BLM worked in close coordination with local elected leaders, recreation groups and the public to provide information about the proposal and gather public input.
Interim dog leash requirements went into effect last year to keep visitors and their pets outside areas where the Army performs munitions cleanup. These interim requirements were designed to reduce conflicts between off-leash dogs and wildlife, livestock and the growing number of visitors.
Written comments can be delivered or sent by mail to Eric Morgan, BLM Central Coast Field Office, 940 2nd Ave., Marina, CA 93933, or sent by email to blm_ca_fonm_dog_mgt_plan@blm.gov.
Maps showing on and off leash areas are available at the BLM website.
The Federal Register notice announcing the comment period is available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/11/04/2016-26457/public-lands-fort-ord-national-monument-ca
For more information, contact Eric Morgan, Ford Ord National Monument Manager, at (831) 582-2212.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.